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Absolute thermometry based on Brillouin scattering in gases
Yuting Yang1, Marcelo A Soto2, Luc Thévenaz3
1EPFL Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Institute of Electrical and Micro Engineering, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Light, Science & Applications
|January 11, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a new contactless method using Brillouin scattering to measure gas temperature accurately. The technique shows promise for precise remote sensing, especially in cryogenic applications.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Optics
- Acoustics
Background:
- Accurate temperature measurement is crucial in various scientific and industrial fields.
- Existing methods face limitations in remote sensing, extreme environments, and precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel contactless thermometric technique for gas media.
- To leverage Brillouin scattering for precise absolute temperature measurements.
- To explore applications in remote sensing and cryogenic environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Brillouin scattering to infer acoustic velocity from spectral shifts of a laser beam.
- Developing theoretical models for the acousto-optic interaction in gases.
- Conducting experimental validation across diverse temperature and pressure conditions.
- Analyzing the impact of different gas species on the Brillouin response.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a novel thermometric technique based on Brillouin scattering for absolute temperature measurement in gases.
- Achieved high precision and contactless temperature sensing capabilities.
- Showcased enhanced sensitivity in the cryogenic temperature range.
- Validated compatibility with distributed measurements using hollow-core single-mode fibers.
- Analyzed gas species influence for optimal medium selection.
Conclusions:
- The proposed Brillouin scattering thermometry offers a highly accurate, remote, and minimally invasive measurement solution.
- The technique shows significant potential for applications in extreme cryogenic sensing.
- This method opens new possibilities for advanced thermometry in challenging environments.
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